While Washington has denied any direct involvement in the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, top US officials have made it clear that American and allied forces are on high alert and prepared to respond to any retaliation.
Following the strikes, which reportedly killed Iran’s top military commander and multiple nuclear scientists, and caused significant damage to key sites involved in Tehran’s nuclear program, the US issued a strong warning to Iran.
In a Thursday interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump acknowledged he had been informed in advance about Israel’s operation—codenamed Rising Lion—which specifically targeted nuclear and missile sites. He reaffirmed that the US remains firmly opposed to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and expressed hope that Tehran would return to negotiations. Meanwhile, American forces in the Middle East have been placed on heightened alert.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers labeled Iran as the provocateur in the conflict, stating that its pursuit of nuclear arms represents a threat the US cannot ignore.
“The United States did not participate in the strikes,” Rogers said, “but our troops are fully prepared to defend themselves and Israel. If Iran makes the mistake of attacking US forces, the consequences will be severe.”
Iran, for its part, maintains that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful use and continues to deny any ambition to build nuclear weapons.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stood behind Israel’s actions, declaring, “Israel has every right to defend itself against threats to its security.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed US non-involvement in the airstrikes but emphasized that protecting American lives remains the country’s top concern. “Let there be no misunderstanding—any move by Iran against our people or assets will be met with firm resistance,” he stated.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, accused the US of complicity, claiming that Israel’s operation could not have been executed without American support or approval. The ministry further warned that the United States, as Israel’s main backer, would bear responsibility for any fallout from what it called the “reckless actions of the Zionist regime.”
